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Effect of Irrigation Systems on the Water Requirements of Sweet Corn^1,2,

ABSTRACT

A field study was conducted to determine the influence of sprinkler irrigation (Sp), furrow irrigation (F), subirrigation (Su), and automated subirrigation (ASu) on the water requirements of sweet corn (Zea mays L.). Irrigation water was applied to the SP, F, and Su plots when the soil water potential at the 30-cm depth in the row reached –40 cbars potential. The time and amount of water applied was based on a combination of leaf area index (LAI) and potential evapotranspiration (ET_p). Water application to the ASu plots was controlled by a switching tensiometer 30 cm deep set at –40 cbars potential. Soil water content changes were determined by gravimetrically sampling the surface 15 cm and obtaining neutron probe measurements of water in the deeper depths.

Significant differences existed in the irrigation water requirement of the sweet corn irrigated by the different systems (F = 351 mm, SP = 248 mm, Su = 248 mm, ASu = 142 mm). However, little difference in consumptive use occurred between systems (F = 361 mm, Sp = 346 mm, Su = 346 mm, ASu = 310 mm) due to differences in soil water utilization. Automation of irrigation systems offers the possibility of significantly enhancing irrigation water use efficiency in supplementally irrigated areas.

¹ Technical Contribution no. 13080, Texas Agric. Exp. Stn., Texas A&M Univ. Agric. Res. and Extn. Center, Route 3, Lubbock, TX 79401. Supported in part by EPA Grant no. 802806.

² Mention of a proprietary product in this paper is used solely to provide specific information and does not constitute an endorsement of this product by the Texas Agric. Exp. Stn., Texas A&M Univ., over other products not mentioned.

³ Professor, Associate Professor, Associate Professor, Texas Agric. Exp. Stn., Texas A&M Univ. Agric. Res. and Ext. Center, Lubbock, TX, and former research associates, Texas A&M Univ. Vegetable Res. Stn., Box 179, Munday, TX 76371.